Headwaters Lakes Vol. Fire Dept.
First neighbours.
When emergencies happen at Headwaters Lakes, our neighbours are often the first to arrive. Founded in 2026 out of the Headwaters Responders, the department is a crew of trained, equipped volunteers who protect our remote community until professional services can reach us.
Vision to reality in one season.
In just a few months, volunteers took the department from an idea to a trained crew with a fire hall going up. Sprinkler systems are already protecting several cabins.
- 2026
SMS safety line launched
Community emergency line 778-760-3133 connects cabin owners with on-duty volunteers.
- July 10 to 12
14 members certified
ICS-100 and S-100 wildfire training, delivered at the lake by Oliver Fire Department. Thank you to Ash, Scott and Todd.
- September 3
$50,000 grant approved
RDOS Area "H" Vermillion Forks Community Forest Corporation grant, with support from Area H Director Bob Coyne.
- September
Fire hall under construction
Our 40' x 40' fire hall on Whiskey Jack Way is going up, built by volunteers with donated and discounted materials.
- September 25
First response
A lightning-caused wildfire on the Peachland Main FSR at km 20.5 was suppressed and cold-trailed by our crew. BC Wildfire Service attended the following day.
- Bush fire truck from Oliver Fire Department, timing tied to Oliver FD receiving its new truck (hoping for spring)
- Spring ICS-100 and S-100 session for members who missed the first round
- SPP-115 structure protection course and first aid training
- A protection assessment of every cabin, plus help setting up sprinklers
- Spring opener BBQ at the new fire hall
Help finish the hall and equip the crew.
Donations go to the fire hall, equipment, and supplies that protect every cabin on the lake.
Donate to the departmentBecoming a recognized volunteer fire brigade.
We're working toward formal recognition as a volunteer fire brigade under BC's fire services framework. Recognition opens the door to provincial funding programs, equipment grants, and structured training support. We're learning from Erris and Hayes Creek, two established brigades that are models for what we're building.
The foundations are already in place: certified volunteers, a $50,000 community forest grant, a fire hall under construction, and a bush fire truck lined up for 2027. Each step brings us closer to the standards required for recognition.
Trained volunteers and shared equipment for initial attack on small fires before provincial resources arrive.
Communication link between cabin owners, BC Wildfire, Search and Rescue, and the Conservation Officer Service.
First-neighbour support for medical incidents until BC Ambulance or Search and Rescue can reach our remote area.
Chainsaw teams and equipment for road clearance, structure assessments, and access emergencies.
What responders do.
Responders are cabin owners who volunteer their time to keep the community safe. There is no minimum commitment — showing up for training, helping maintain equipment, and being willing to respond when needed is all it takes.
Be willing to help
Responders commit to showing up for their neighbours when it matters. No prior experience is required — just a willingness to learn and act when the community needs it.
Know the safety equipment
Familiarize yourself with the shared equipment — where it is, how to operate it, and when to use it. Pumps, hoses, chainsaws, and first aid supplies only help if people know how to use them.
Volunteer for maintenance
Help inspect and maintain shared emergency equipment to keep it in ready condition year-round. Regular upkeep between incidents is what makes rapid response possible.
Attend training sessions
Participate in fire suppression drills, safety preparedness sessions, and hands-on equipment training. Annual exercises keep skills sharp and build coordination between volunteers.
911 first — always
If there is any risk to life, call 911 immediately. Our role is community support and coordination, not to replace professional emergency services.
SMS emergency coordination
Active responders use our SMS line (778-760-3133) to receive and coordinate emergency calls. Text ON to go on duty and OFF when unavailable. All responses are logged automatically.
Current equipment.
Every chainsaw, pump, and first aid kit we maintain represents hours of member effort and shared commitment to community resilience.
12' hard suction line, 2" cam lock
donated line has threaded fittings, need forestry adapters
1-1/2" Forestry
Stored at Headwaters Family Camp
Stored at Headwaters Family Camp
Equipment we need.
We are actively seeking donations of equipment or funds toward specific items. If you have any of these items in good working condition, or would like to contribute toward a purchase, please reach out to the board.
for priming the pump
male/female cam locks. To be used as extension for the water pump
(knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc)
we should have 500-1000 ft of line
Join the department.
If you're a cabin owner who wants to help protect the lake, we want to hear from you. No prior experience required: we'll train you. Register your skills for 2027 courses and programs.
Email the boardHave gear to give?
Equipment in good working condition (pumps, chainsaws, protective gear, first aid supplies, radios) goes straight into service. Cash donations help finish the fire hall and equip the crew.